New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the plea challenging the High Court order allotting the two leaves symbol to Jose K Mani faction. The bench, including Chief Justice SA Bobde, upheld the Kerala High Court verdict.

Following this, it is confirmed that Jose K Mani faction candidates can contest in two leaves and under the party name Kerala Congress (M).

The decision was first taken by the Election Commission and was upheld by single bench and division bench of the HC. PJ Joseph and PC Kuriakose challenged this at the apex court.

Senior advocate Shyam Diwan, who appeared for Joseph, informed SC that he has the support of 255 in 450-member committee. Diwan also pointed out that EC took the decision without considering the affidavit proving their support and other documents.

The 3-member SC bench rejected Joseph’s plea stating SC is not intervening in the HC verdict which observed the Election Commission has the authority to allot the symbol.

Advocate Romy Chacko also appeared for P J Joseph. Meanwhile, senior advocate Basava Prabhu Patil appeared for PC Kuriakose.

Senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal appeared for Jose K Mani.